Lifter



Feb. 4, 1958 A. s. MACKENZIE LIFTER s Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 3. 1953INVENTOR ATTORNEY Feb. 4, 1958 A. s. MACKENZIE 2,822,206

LIFTER Filed Aug. 3, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 57' 4 ,4, 5,Mac/renf BY Q WMQ ATTORNEY i eb. 4, 1958 A. s. MACKENZIE 2,822,206

LIFTER Filed Aug. 5, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 24 251 y [L 5A 722 29x3 37 a974 193 127 I I 34 INVENTOR ATTORNEY actuatedby the weight of thematerial'b'eing lifted.

LIFTER Andrew S. Mackenzie, St. Paul Park, Minn.

Application August 3, 1953, Serial No. 371,962

12 Claims. (Cl; 29463) This invention relates to an improvement in stacklifter and'deals particularly with an apparatus usefulin lifting stacksof brick or the like. Various devices have been employed forliftingstacks of brick. Certain of these devices include elongatedmembers having clamping device on one, or both sides thereof, and whichare designed to extend'th'rough passages at the base of a stack ofbricks or other such objects. If these devices are lifted the clampingmeans engages the bricks on one or both sides of the passages so thatthe load may be lifted.

The present device resides in asomewhat similar type of a series ofelongated clamping devices, each'having a series of longitudinallyclamping members thereupon. These clamping members are actuated byprojectionsextending above the level of the clamping members andindividually, engaging bricks, or the like, located above the passageinwhich the clamping device is located. These projections engage the loadprior to the engagement of the load-by the clamping device in generaland the weight of the load presses the projections downwardly relativeto the remainder of the clamping device as'the clamping device islifted. Each projection controls a suitable clamping mechanism and theseclamping mechanisms are spaced so that the load may be lifted in spiteof the fact thatthe degrees to which the projections are depressed andthe extent to which the individual clamping members may move invariably.

A further feature of the present invention resides in 7 the provision ofa-series of clamping members of elongated form having a series ofindividual longitudinally spacedclamping members attached thereto'and inproviding in-preferred form a plurality of clamping memberoperatingprojections'connectedto each clamping member. As a result, ifone projection enters-a gap between the bricks .or enters a space fromwhich a brickis missing or is' broken, the clamping member may stilloperate through. operation of the other projection.

These and other objects and novel'features of the invention will be moreclearly. set forth-in the-following claims.

In the drawings forming a part of the specification: -Figure 1 is topplan view of a series ofclampingzdevices connectedto a lifting means andshowing the relationship, between the clamping devices and the bottomtiers of the bricks or like.

United States PatentD 2,822,206 Patented Feb. 4, 1958 Figure 2 is aperspective view of the portion of the lifting apparatus used inconjunction with the individual clamping device. I

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the individual clamping device inpositionbeneath a series of bricks and showing the lifting device beinglowered for engagement with the clamping, device.

Figure 4 is an enlarged elevational view showing a pair of clampingdevices connected to a portion ofthe lifting device, the clamping devicein clamping position.

Figure'S is an end elevational view of one of the clamping devices.

Figure 6 is an end elevational view of another of the clamping'devices.This device is used on one side of the stack.

Figure '7 is a perspective view of an end portion of one of the clampingdevices.

In general the apparatus includes a lifting device which is indicated ingeneral'b'ythe letter A; clamping devices B which are designed to extendbetween tiers of brick or the like to'clampagainst both sides of thepassages in which the clamping devices are located; and end clampingdevices C which are similar to clamping device A but clamp in onedirection-only. The clamping devices B and Care connected to thelifting. device A during the lifting-operation and are designed to lifta load of brick or stack of bricks D. The lifting device A is bestillustrated-in Figure 2 of the drawings and inthe particular formillustrated comprise an elongated rectangular bar 10 having brackets 11slidably supported thereupon. The brackets 11 are shown as beingrectangular in outline and have rectangular apertures 12 extendingtherethrough to accommodate theba-r 10. The apertures 12 are largeenough so that thebrackets llmay be adjusted longitudinally of the bar10'. Thumb screws 13 or other suitable means are providedfor holding thebrackets 11 in adjusted position.

Each bracket extends downwardly from the bar 10 and isv provided with arectangular aperture 14- which extends through thebracket atright anglesto the aperture 11 and below the level thereof. These apertures 14 aredesigned to accommodate the ends of the clamping devices B as will belater described in detail.

A rectangular collar IS encircles each end of the bar 10 andis-held inplace by a bolt 16. A cable 17 is secured to each collar 15 in anysuitable manner and the cables 17- are connected to a suitable hoistingmechanism. Each of the cableslfl is normally lifted simultaneously sothat the load remains in proper position.

The clamping devices 3 are shown as best illustrated in Figures 5, 6and'7 of'the drawings taken in conjunction with'their operation asillustrated in Figure 4. The body of each clamping device includesanelongated I-beam l9having an upper web 2i), a lower Web 21 and anintermediate-vertical connecting web 22. The top andbottom flangesZtl'and 21 are cut away at each end of the I-beam so that the web nformsa projection-23 of proper shape to fit into the aperture 14 of a bracket11 of the lifting device A.

A series of hinges are secured to the surface of the web 20,-one hingeplate Z lbeing secured to the undersurface ZS of the web on one side ofthe center web 22 and a similar hinge plate 26 being secured toun'derface of web 253 on the opposite sideof the center-web 22. A secondhinge plate 27 is pivotally connected to hinge plate 24 by a hinge pivot2 and a similar hinge pivot- 30 connectes a hinge plate 26 toa-cooperable hinge plate 31. The hinge plates 27 and 31- are normallysuspended in substantially vertical relation when the clamping device isnot in use.

. An angle bracket 32 is bolted-onotherwise-secured at 3 3 -to the hingeplate 27 and includes a flange '34 in sur- 3 face contact with the plate27 and a second flange at substantially right angles to the flange 24.Each flange 35 is notched to accommodate one or more spaced cylindricalplungers 36 which extend upwardly through the flange 29 of the I-beam.The notch in each flange 35 permits tipping of the angle bracket 32, asillustrated in Figure 4. A pin 37 extends through each plunger 36beneath the flange 2i and a spring 39 is interposed between the pin 37and a washer 40 encircling the plunger 36 immediately above the flange35.

An angle bracket 41 has one flange 42 secured to the web 22 of theI-beam and a second flange 43 extending at right angles thereto. Theflange 43 is provided with apertures 44 therethrough to slidablyaccommodate the corresponding plunger 36. A spring 45 encircles thelower portion of the plunger 36 between the undersurface of the flange35 and the flange 43. This spring 45 is Weaker than the spring 39previously described but tends to return the flange 35 to horizontalposition when downward pressure on the plunger is relieved.

A spring strip 46 is secured to the flange 34 of the angle bracket 32and is bolted at 47 to a block like pad 49 of rubber or other resilientmeans. This pad 49 and the spring strip 46 flexes sufliciently to engageagainst bricks or other means we will be later describing. A similararrangement is provided on the opposite side of the center web 22 of theI-beam. A plunger 50 extends through a suitable aperture 51 in the web20 and through a suitable guide aperture 52 in an angle bracket 53secured to the web 22. An angle bracket 54 is bolted at 55 to the hingeplate 31 and is properly notched to straddle a plurality of such saidplungers 50. In other Words each bracket 54 straddles at least oneplunger 50, and the notched bracket 54 tips or pivots at an angle asillustrated in Figure 4 to perform the lifting operation as hereindescribed.

A relatively strong spring 56 is interposed between "a washer 57overlying the bracket 54 and a pin 59 extending through the plunger 50.A relatively weak spring 60 is positioned between the angle bracket 53and the angle member 54 to return this latter angle member to horizontalposition when the device is not in use. The spring plate 61 is bolted tothe vertical flange of the angle bracket 54 and is bolted at 62 to ablock like pad 63 of resilient material designed to engage against thebracket.

In Figure 6 of the drawings a clamping device C is illustrated. Thisclamping device C is quite similar to half of the device B. One suchclamping device C is used at each side of the stack of bricks D to belifted.

The device C includes a channel beam 64 having an upper flange 65, alower flange 66, and a connecting base web 67. This Web 67 projectsbeyond the upper and lower flanges 65 and 66 to provide a projecting end69 similar to the projection 23 of the previously described beam 19 ateach end thereof. The projection 69 is designed to slide into anyaperture 14 in a suitable bracket 11.

An angle member 70 is secured to the web 67 and is provided with spacedapertures 71 which are aligned with apertures 72 in the flange 65 of thebeam 64. Each aperture is designed to accommodate a slidable plunger 73.A hinge plate 74 is secured to undersurface of flange 65. A cooperablehinge plate 75 is connected to hinge plate 74 by a hinge pivot 76. Thehinge plate 75 accommodates an angle member 77 of sufficient length tobridge a plurality plunger 73. The angle member 77 is provided with avertical flange 79 and a horizontal flange 80. A flange 80 is notched toaccommodate one or more plungers 73.

A spring 81 is interposed between a washer 82 encircling the plunger 73and a pin 83 extending through the plunger.

A lighter spring 87 encircles the plunger 73 and the angle bracket 80.

A resilient sheet 84 or spring metal, or the like, has its upper endbolted to the vertical flange 79 and the hinge 4 Ur plate 75 and isbolted at 85 to a block 86 of rubber or other resilient material. Thespring strip 84 and" the resilient block 86 flex and compress to fitfirmly against a row of bricks in clamping position.

In actual practice the beams 19 and 64 have a number of similar clampingunits throughout the length thereof. Figure 7 shows one unit in whichthe block 49 is controlled by two spaced plungers 36, either of which iscapable of pivoting the block into clamping position. The block 63 onthe opposite side of the beam is actuated by spaced plung rs 58 whichare arranged in opposed relation to the plungers 56. From Figure 1 ofthe drawings it will be shown that eight such units are provided in theparticular arrangement illustrated. In the form shown, each of the unitsis approximately the length of a brick, or block, such as 87, so thatindividual bricks may be individually clamped to compensate forvariation in the size of the bricks. However, this is not essential asthe spring plates, such 46, 61, and 84 tend to compensate forirregularities of the bricks.

As shown in the drawings, the stack of bricks D is built up by placingspaced tiers of bricks in parallel relation on edge upon the ground orfloor. In the form shown, two rows of bricks 89 and 90 are supported inspaced relation to a second pair of rows of bricks 91 and 92. Thisprovides a channel or passage 93 between the bricks 90 and 91. Anadditional pair of rows of bricks are shown at 94 and 94'.

The next layer of bricks is positioned at right angles to the lower rowsand the end bricks of this layer project beyond the rows 89 and 94 toprovide hanging ledges 95 and 96. Clamping devices B are inserted in thepassages 93 and 97 and clamping devices C in place and beneath theoverhanging ledges 95 and 96, while the stack of bricks includeadditional layers superimposed upon the lowermost layers, these have notbeen described in detail because the arrangement of these upper layersform no part of the system.

When the individual clamping devices B and C have been inserted in themanner shown in Figure 3 the lifting device A is lowered. One member,such as thatshown in Figure 2, being on each side of the stack of bricksD. The brackets 11 are properly spaced to engage the ends of theclamping devices which project beyond the sides of the stack of bricks.

When the brackets have been attached to the projecting ends 23 and 69 ofthe units B and C, respectively, as indicated in Figure 4 of thedrawings, a lifting load may be applied to the cable 17. As the clampingunits are lifted upwardly the projections 36, 50, and 73, which comprisethe upper ends of the plungers identified by the same numerals, engageagainst the bricks of the second layer 99. The weight of the stack ofbricks holds the plungers from upward movement and continued upwardmovement of the clamp devices acts to swing the clamp blocks 49, 63, and86 against the lower rows of bricks. This clamping action continuesuntil the ends of the plungers are flush with the channel and I-beamWebs. Further upward movement of the cables then causes the lifting ofthe entire stack of bricks D. It will be noted that by providing aplurality of upward projection or plunger ends for operating eachclamping member, the clamp operation will function even though a brickor two is out of place or broken. Therefore, the proper lifting of theentire stack is insured.

When the load is lowered, the lowermost row of bricks contacts the flooror ground and further lowering of the cables 17 acts to permit the beamsto lower relatively to the projections. As a result the clamping devicesare released. The lifting devices A may then be removed and the variousmembers B and C may be taken from the load.

In accordance with the patent statutes, the principles of constructionand operation of the lifting device have been described and While it hasbeen endeavored to set forth the best embodiments thereof. it is desiredto have it understood that obvious changes may be made within the scopeof the following claims without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention.

I claim:

1. A lifting apparatus for lifting a stack of bricks having spaced rowsof bricks therebeneath, the apparatus including in combination a seriesof elongated members separately insertable between said rows of bricks,lifting means engageable with the ends of said elongated members, aplurality of plungers supported by said elongated members, pivotalbracket elements supported by said elongated members and connected tosaid plungers, and pivotal clamp blocks supported by said bracketelements on the separately insertable elongated members andindependently operable by the weight of a load acting on said plungersafter the elongated members are lifted but before the weight of a loadis taken up by the elongated members for clamping the rows of brickstherebetween.

2. An apparatus for lifting stacks of bricks and the like, each stackincluding a body of material having spaced elongated supporting legswith open passages therebetween, the lifting apparatus including incombination elongated clamping devices insertable through said passagesand provided with extending ends, adjustable lifting means engageablewith the said ends of said elongated members, pivotally mounted clampingmeans on said elongated members, hinged bracket elements mounting saidclamping means on said elongated members, and a plurality of plungermeans connected to said bracket elements and extending through saidelongated members and adapted to be actuated by the weight of the stackof material above said passages for actuating said pivotal clampingmeans.

3. The construction described in claim 2 and in which said plunger meansfor actuating said clamping means are spaced longitudinally along saidmembers.

4. The construction described in claim 2 and in which said clampingmembers are clamping blocks longitudinally spaced along opposite sidesof said elongated members.

5. The construction described in claim 2 and includ ing a plurality oflongitudinally spaced clamping members pivotally mounted on saidelongated members comprising the clamping members, previously described,and including longitudinally spaced plunger means comprising said meansfor actuating said clamping members.

6. An element for clamping the sides of a passage beneath a stack ofbricks or the like including in combination an elongated member, pivotalclamping means mounted on opposite sides of said elonated member, hingedbracket means mounted on said elongated member for supporting saidclamping means, and reciprocal projecting means supported by andprojecting above said elongated member for engaging the top of thepassage and connected to said bracket means for actuating said pivotalclamping means.

7. The construction described in claim 6 and in which the clamping meansare longitudinally spaced.

8. The construction described in claim 6 and in which said projectingmeans are longitudinally spaced.

9. The construction described in claim 6 and in which said clampingmeans and said projecting means are longitudinally spaced along saidelongated members.

10. A device for clamping against the sides of a passage beneath a stackof bricks or the like, the device including in combination an elongatedmember having a substantially fiat upper surface, elongated clampingmeans on said elongated member beneath said surface and extendablelaterally from said elongated member, a resilient bar means connected tosaid clamping means, plunger means extending through the said uppersurface and connected to said resilient bar means and thereby to saidclamping means for actuating the same, said plunger means projectingabove the upper surface of said elongated member.

11. The construction described in claim 10 and in which said clampingmeans are longitudinally spaced along said elongated member.

12. The construction described in claim 10 and in which said plungerprojecting means are spaced longitudinally along said elongated members.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,681,741 Bickerstaff June 22, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 445,204 GreatBritain Apr. 6, 1936

